Asked on Mar 24, 2015

Can you paint over Thompsons Water Seal?

GG
by GG
We have a hardwood floor in our bedroom which we sanded down. We wanted to just put Thompsons Water Seal over it without a stain. I wasn't happy with that, so now I wanted to know if I could paint over the Thompsons. If so, what kind of paint would I use?
  2 answers
  • D & K D & K on Mar 24, 2015
    Yes you can paint over Thompsons although Thompsons does recommend a waiting period. I can't remember what it is off the top of my head but it's on the container. Now as far as painting goes, I would think long and hard about painting any interior floor. Once it's painted you'll have to continue to paint it or have it completely strip sanded which can be and is rather expensive. And, if there are small gaps around the planks in the floor, the paint that gets in can be a real pain to get out if you change your mind later. Valspar, BEHR and Sherwin Williams all make a good porch and floor paint. I would highly suggest you prime it first using an oil base primer and not latex. My rule of thumb is if it has oil base paint or finish you're covering, use a oil base primer. If it's a latex paint or finish you use a latex. You can put either oil or latex paint on either primer but using a primer that matches the type of previous finish always seems to bond better.
    • GG GG on Mar 25, 2015
      @D & K Thank you so much!!! I appreciate the detail you gave me.
  • Denise Eaton Denise Eaton on Mar 25, 2015
    Go to Sherwin Williams and ask them what the best paint to use is. I believe Thompsons Water seal is oil based so regular latex paint will not stick and you will have a real mess on your hands.
    • GG GG on Mar 25, 2015
      @Denise Eaton Thanks, Denise. I appreciate your input.